Joy in His Presence
1Chronicles 16:27
Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
People seek joy but cannot find it because they seek it in all the wrong places. Life is incredibly transient. As such, we cannot find lasting joy in anything the world offers. Wealth, like fame, is fleeting; it is futile to seek enduring joy in them. Power, even for the most brutal dictator, is soon wrested away; to be pitied is the person who hopes to find lasting joy in it. Earthly relationships, vital as they may be, cannot give lasting joy because loyalties often wane, and the strongest of friendships are sometimes strained. The truth is, joy can never be found in anything this world gives.
But glory to God we have a source of Joy that transcends this realm, and that is the presence of God. Our text says “Strength and joy are in His dwelling place” (1 Chro.16:27b). What a great joy it is then to know that we have access to the Presence of God by Jesus; access to unlimited joy. The Psalmist said, “You will show me the path of life; for in your presence is fullness of Joy…” (Ps.16:11). As believers we have the path of life and we have the life, hence, we have the presence that brings unending Joy.
Often times, we are tempted to abandon this endless channel of joy, and go seeking for it in the fleeting offerings of the world. But indeed, fullness of joy is in His Presence. We need not seek it anywhere else. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, housing the very Presence of God Himself. We cannot but exude joy. This joy must be reflected in our corporate and personal worship.
CONFESSION
I experience overwhelming Joy in His presence
Amen!
